My Nikkor isn't stiff enough.

[EASmithV]

I have among others, a Nikkor-S 50mm f1.4. When focusing, the focusing ring turns too easily, and wobbles ever so slightly. It's not something that affects the usability, but it is highly annoying. How do I fix something like this?

[Bob-D659]

The focus helicoid needs some damping grease. Not difficult to do if you are familiar with taking lenses apart and reassembling them correctly.

[Thomas Wilson]

I recall from years ago an old timer explained that the different metals with a special thin lube was what gave the focus mechanism its silky smooth but resistive motion. I also recall being told not to compare too closely the action of new (circa 1980) and older Nikon lenses.

I would dismantle the bugger and have a look to see if the lubricant has dried or to see if the set screw has loosened a bit over time. Once upon a time, I had a small jar of special "Lens-lube," given to me by the old timer. I'll have a look for it. Who knows what I might find in the search.

BTW, once you remove the first retaining ring ( a rubber ring on a plastic jar is my tool of choice), the rest is gravy.

Let us know what you find.

[EASmithV]

I also recall being told not to compare too closely the action of new (circa 1980) and older Nikon lenses.

Please clarify.

Thx for the diagram.

[dougjgreen]

It could be worse - you could have the same insufficient stiffness problem, but not with your Nikkor.

[richard ide]

I had the same problem many years ago with the same lens. IIRC I used an ultrafine screwdriver to slightly tighten; I think 3 screws, on the outside of the focussing ring

[Thomas Wilson]

We're going back a few years, but if I recall, the older (1960 vintage) Nikkors were never as tight or stiff as the modern (1980 vintage) Nikkors. I had the 50 1.4 & the 105 2.5 in both vintages. I bought the A.I. versions precisely for their tighter feel.

It's certainly possible that the older lenses were once as tight (when new) but I never had the opportunity to compare two new lenses side by side.

[EASmithV]

Do you have a diagram for the older Nikkors 1.4 as well (the original Nippon-Kogaku that launched with the F)?

Would a CLD fix this problem as well?

[EASmithV]

It could be worse - you could have the same insufficient stiffness problem, but not with your Nikkor.

[xtolsniffer]

I have the opposite problem, my 55mm Micro is too stiff........make of that what you will.